Shark Tank Startup From Utah Wins National Small Business Video Contest

You may have seen Kisstixx on ABC’s Shark Tank. The innovative new lip balms that have some kind of attraction, secret formula that makes kissing more compatible, was able to garner a $200,000 investment from Mark Cuban.  When Cuban is asked about Shark Tank startups that he really likes, he often references Kissstix.

The Utah Valley University student founders of Kisstixx, Dallas Robinson and Mike Buonomo, shared their story via video in a small business contest and were one of four winners selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“We are so proud of Dallas and Mike. They are the quintessential entrepreneurs; innovative, driven, disciplined and always learning,” said Shauna Theobald, director of UVU’s Woodbury School of Business Entrepreneurship Institute to UtahPulse.com. “In spite of their rapid ascent into the national spotlight, they remain committed to connecting and collaborating with other startups and with proven mentors. They’ve demonstrated the power of leveraging the resources and networks of the UVU startup community.”

More after the break



The boys seemed a bit awkward on their Shark Tank appearance but the technology wrapped up in this lip balm definitely caught Cuban’s eye. That’s not where there story started though. The Kisstixx story started with a $50,000 small business loan and support from the University.  The young entrepreneurs received mentoring from the Woodbury school of business faculty. They also collaborated with other business students who helped create the Kisstixx logo and packaging.

“Utah is known for having a high entrepreneurial population,” said Norman Wright, dean of the Woodbury School of Business.“We are very pleased with our Entrepreneurship Institute and the great faculty and staff that work with these students in growing their businesses and ensuring their success.”

Linkage:

Find out more about Kisstixx here at their website

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